A white cane symbolizes independence to a blind and partially sighted individual and it is a sign of autonomy and respect for the inherent dignity for the blind and partially sighted persons which is in line with Article 3 of the principles enshrined in the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
The United Blind Persons of Fiji highlighted this in celebration of the International White Cane Day.
They say the mission of White Cane Day is to educate the world about blindness and how the blind and vision impaired persons live and work independently while giving back to their communities.
They say it is also a day that focuses on highlighting the abilities and successes achieved by the blind and vision impaired persons worldwide, and honouring their many contributions to society.
The United Blind Persons of Fiji says the White cane is also in line with the obligations stipulated under Article 9 of the CRPD on accessibility, article 20 on mobility and sustainable development goal number 11 on accessible cities and human settlements.
They say trainings and awareness campaigns towards the promotion of the mobility and orientation using the white cane guarantees the autonomy of blind and partially sighted persons to choose places they would like to go to and to participate fully and effectively.
Today is also a day that helps create a platform for advocacy to several public and private entities regarding the needs and rights of blind and partially sighted persons and this year, the United Blind Persons of Fiji conducted awareness sessions with the Fiji Police Force, Royal Fiji Military Force, Fiji Navy, Central Bus Operators and Land Transport Authority.
They say a key challenge for blind and partially sighted persons in Fiji is that white canes are not readily available in Fiji and its high cost puts it out of reach for vision impaired Fijians.
They say in addition, even with the assistance of a white cane, a blind or a partially sighted persons continue to face significant barriers during their movement and these barriers are in the form of the lack of proper and continuous footpaths and also the lack of tactile markers that facilitate the use of a white cane.
The United Blind Persons of Fiji is appealing to the Fiji Government to meet their obligations of the CRPD and the commitments enshrined in the Sustainable Development Goals.
They say it is critical that governments allocate budgets and national action plans to include provision of white canes as well as the provision of mobility trainings for blind and partially sighted persons.
The United Blind Persons of Fiji says government should also provide adequate resources to facilitate the provision of white canes to blind people at the national level free of charge in the spirit of leave no one behind in order to promote inclusive development.
They say their conviction is that a more inclusive, accessible and equal society will lead to better living conditions for our community.
The United Blind Persons of Fiji envision a Fiji in which they, as blind or partially sighted people, can participate fully in any aspect of life we choose.
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